July 11, 2010

God's Blessing and Faithfulness in Action

Our daughter-in-law, Barbara Compere Savell, writes:

One year ago today was my accident. It has been a day and time of thanksgiving as I have remembered the love that was poured out to me through so many friends, family, and people I have never met - people who prayed and gave of themselves in so many ways. I am thankful for life, and I am thankful for each of you.

I am sorry I did not give an update after my recent surgery. In that surgery, the doctors were able to retract the bone that had grown in my hip muscle and was blocking my hip movement. It has helped my walking tremendously; however, my hip range of motion is still not where it should be. I am continuing in PT to get as much movement as I can. I am also working on knee range of motion, flexibility, and overall strength.

A big praise is that I have been able to get off narcotic pain meds. That has increased my energy level - especially in the afternoons. I am still dealing with back pain every day and hope that this will decline as my back is strengthened.

Another praise is that I have been able to put my bike on the trainer and bike for about 30 min. It is not easy to get on, nor easy to get off, but the actual spinning feels pretty good. I also decided to try it out in the neighborhood yesterday to see how I felt. My starting and stopping were not great - so I guess I'm not ready for a group ride yet. :) I would probably scare everyone off and would definitely fall off the back very quickly.

The investigation is also continuing to determine who was driving the black pick-up truck. All the evidence points to the 27 yr old owner of the truck rather than his dad; however, I think the police are just waiting to find that clincher. I am not worried by it and continue to pray for him and his mom. My prayer is that they would come to know Christ as their Savior.

Another praise is that I am feeling well enough to want to homeschool Sarah and Hannah again this fall. Sarah will take most of her classes at the coop with her bother Daniel, but she will also need some at home. Hannah will get to take 1 or 2 classes with some other 4th -6th graders, and then I will get to teach her the rest. I have found a very neat history/cultural curriculum called: A Heart for You - China. We are both excited about this as we begin her 3rd year of being a part of our family.

I sometimes think Hannah was affected the most by my accident as she had only been here a year and then all of a sudden as she was beginning to learn what a family was, her mom was taken away for 7 weeks only to have many different caretakers again in the house. Once I was home, I was not exactly available for many months it seemed. She has told me several times to "not do that ever again!"

However, once again, I know that God is in control and He will use this in Hannah's life for good as he will in all of our lives. "I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." Prov 29:11